Big News: Delhi approves a Comprehensive Sanitation and Dust Control Plan, Gujarat approves the Action Plan for Implementation of Artificial Intelligence 2025-2030, Tamil Nadu establishes the Centre for Advanced Semiconductor Technologies, Goa passes the Goa Land Revenue Code Bill, 2025, Telangana announces the establishment of a new power distribution company (discom); and more.
Haryana introduces an additional day of free check-ups under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan’ (Prime Minister’s Scheme for Safe Pregnancies) (e-PMSMA). e-PMSMA provides comprehensive antenatal care services to pregnant women and focuses on the early detection and management of high-risk pregnancies (HRPs) through clinical examinations, diagnostics, medication, and counselling—and is provided free of charge at public health facilities. The new guidelines mandate four days a month for these free services, instead of the usual three.
Source: Tribune
In detail: Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan
Karnataka announces 100% reimbursements under the AB-PMJAY-CM’s Arogya Karnataka (ArK) scheme. The cost of Total Knee Replacement (TKR) and Total Hip Replacement (THR) surgeries are now 100% reimbursed to public health institutions (PHIs) that carry out these procedures— an increase from the earlier 75% reimbursement rate.
Source: Indian Express
Tamil Nadu launches the ‘Nalam Kaakkum Stalin’ scheme. This scheme aims to bring comprehensive health check-ups directly to the people through the establishment of health camps, eliminating the need to visit hospitals for medical examinations.
Source: Newsmill
In detail: Press release (in Tamil)
Kerala implements an e-health system. The system is active across 800 public health institutions as part of Kerala's digital health transformation efforts. The system includes a digital payment system, online outpatient (OP) ticket booking, test results, and prescriptions. An objective of this new system is to reduce wait times in hospital queues.
Source: Deshabhimani
Bihar announces increase in honorariums for Asha and Mamta workers. Asha workers focus on primary healthcare centers and Mamta workers are contractual staff in maternity wards. Asha workers will now receive an increased incentive of $34.37, up from $11.45. Mamta workers are now provided an incentive of $6.87 per childbirth delivery instead of $3.43.
Source: Times of India
Delhi approves a comprehensive Sanitation and Dust Control Plan. The plan mandates the Public Works Department (PWD) to procure advanced cleaning machines, including 250 water sprinkler machines integrated with anti-smog guns, and 70 Mechanical Road Sweeping (MRS) machines, each integrated with three water sprinklers and anti-smog guns, 18 dump vehicles and 18 water tankers, to help alleviate dust and pollution by maintaining Delhi’s roads.
Source: Business Standard
Karnataka approves KERC (Karnataka Electricity Distribution Code) Regulations, 2025. The regulations issued by Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) seek to govern electricity distribution activities in the state through detailed standards on metering, grid connectivity, power quality, communication systems, cybersecurity, and safety protocols.
Source: Indian infrastructure
In detail: KERC (Karnataka Electricity Distribution Code) Regulations, 2025
Telangana announces the establishment of a new power distribution company (discom). To prioritize the delivery of welfare schemes, the third discom is dedicated exclusively to managing all government-funded electricity schemes including power to agricultural farmers, free electricity for government-funded schools and colleges, and 200 units of free power to poor households.
Source: Times of India
Arunachal Pradesh approves Power Sector Revamp. The plan aims to modernize the electricity grid and ensure a more reliable and efficient power supply. The state is implementing smart metering systems to enhance operational efficiency, enable real-time monitoring, and offer transparent and timely billing for consumers. Funds have been earmarked to also tackle aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses that have historically impeded efficient power distribution in remote areas.
Source: Assam Tribune
Chhattisgarh releases Draft CSERC (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2025. The regulations issued by Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) concern Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO) and the REC framework. This draft aligns with India’s climate commitments and recent policy changes from the Ministry of Power and court judgements. As per Section 86(1)(e) of the Electricity Act, 2003, the State Commission must promote renewable power generation and set purchase targets for distribution licensees.
Source: Solar Quarter
Kerala approves 125 MW/500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The system, implemented by Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) at Mylatti substation in Kasargod is being carried out by the state with support from the Ministry of Power under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme. A total of $15.46 million (INR 135 crores) is sanctioned as VGF under the state component of the scheme.
Source: Solar Quarter
In detail: KSERC order
Chandigarh increases Electric Vehicle (EV) subsidies. The increase in subsidies on electric two-wheelers and four-wheelers is aimed at women buyers, who will be eligible to receive incentives up to $430 (INR 37,500).
Source: Hindustan Times
Chandigarh launches Rent-a-Roof model to install rooftop solar panels. The scheme, run by Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, focuses on leasing the rooftops of municipal buildings to private solar developers. These firms will handle the installation, operation, and maintenance of solar photovoltaic systems while feeding the generated power into the grid.
Source: Construction World
Nothing critical to report this week
Delhi eliminates factory licences for setting up manufacturing units. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has done away with the requirement of obtaining a factory licence for setting up manufacturing units in recognized industrial areas. With one less requirement, Delhi aims to reduce the burden on manufacturers and promote business friendly policies.
Source: The Print
In detail: MCD Factory license
Gujarat approves the Action Plan for Implementation of Artificial Intelligence 2025-2030. The plan aims to make government operations smarter, citizen-centric schemes more effective, and service delivery faster through the implementation of AI.
Source: Patrika
In detail: Action Plan for Implementation of Artificial Intelligence 2025-2030
Maharashtra approves the ‘MAITRI’ Portal. All industrial project permissions are now available online through this integrated portal. The portal aims to streamline approvals and ease business operations.
Source: Hindustan Times
Rajasthan releases several policy proposals. In a series of policy decisions concerning new emerging technology, Rajasthan releases the Rajasthan AI Policy - 2025, the Rajasthan Data Centre Policy - 2025, and the Rajasthan AVGR-ZR Policy - 2025. The proposed Rajasthan AI Policy - 2025 will establish a Center of Excellence to support AI startups and research. The Rajasthan Data Centre Policy – 2025 promises infrastructure support and aims to attract investments to make Rajasthan a data services destination. The Rajasthan AVGC-ZR Policy - 2025 will support animation, visual effects, gaming and extended reality industries. Rajasthan plans to set up four ‘Atal Innovation Studios’ with an estimated budget of $114.58 million to boost entrepreneurship and tech integration in sectors like agriculture.
Source: Rediff
In detail: Rajasthan AI Policy 2025
Rajasthan Data Centre Policy 2025
Tamil Nadu establishes the Centre for Advanced Semiconductor Technologies. The new Centre for Advanced Semiconductor Technologies is operated in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M). The Centre is supported by an initial seed grant of $11.45 million as part of the Tamil Nadu Semiconductor Mission 2030, as announced in the 2025-2026 budget.
Source: Deccan Herald
Uttar Pradesh launches the ‘UP Mart Portal.’ The portal aims to strengthen the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector by launching a comprehensive digital platform aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and startups in accessing machinery, services, and industrial support with greater ease.
Source: KNN
In detail: Uttar Pradesh press release
Andhra Pradesh approves amendments to the Negotiated Settlement Policy (NSP). The policy aims to expedite land procurement for key infrastructure projects in Amaravati, the new capital. Under the existing NSP, the government has managed to acquire only nine acres—roughly 7% of the required 130 acres—for priority roads and utilities.
Source: The Hindu
In detail: Procurement of Land and Structures under Negotiated Settlement Policy - order
Delhi announces amendment of Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954. The amendment, once approved by the Lieutenant Governor will allow women to work night shifts in shops and commercial establishments. The proposal supports economic empowerment and independence for women.
Source: Business Standard
Madhya Pradesh approves The Labour (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill approved by the state assembly aims to reform industrial laws by requiring management to issue a one-and-a-half-month notice before declaring a strike or initiating a lockout.
Source: NDTV
Goa passes the Goa Land Revenue Code Bill, 2025. The bill regularizes unauthorized houses built on government land prior to February 28, 2014. However, the regularization of an existing unauthorized structure is subject to payment of an occupancy fee, which is yet to be announced.
Source: Hindustan Times
In detail: The Goa Land Revenue Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Odisha amends the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956. The new rules issued by the Labour and E.S.I. Department require workplaces to employ at least three women during night shifts and appoint a female supervisor to ensure safety. They must also provide written consent to work at night.
Source: Pragativadi
Haryana approves New Mining Levy. In a move likely to impact construction costs across North India, the state government has decided to impose a new levy of $0.91 per tonne on all mineral-laden vehicles entering the state. This policy aims to tighten mineral transit regulations and boost state revenues.
Source: Times of India
In detail: New Mining Levy
Haryana introduces Easement Rights. These new rules can be used by landowners who own land that is bisected by public access paths. This will allow landowners to install infrastructure such as ducts and pipelines by leasing the land, without disrupting public right-of-way.
Source: Times of India
In detail: Easement Rights
Madhya Pradesh approves development of Mohasa Babai Industrial Area Phase II. 750 of the available 1034 acres are reserved for the manufacturing of electrical and renewable energy equipment. The plots are allotted at a 25% premium of the prevailing land value.
Source: Free Press Journal
West Bengal launches "Amader Para, Amader Samadhan’ (Our Neighborhood, Our Solution). The aim of the scheme is to ensure that government officials are available to address local civic issues such as road repairs, street lighting, and sanitation in designated camps. The initiative began with 632 camps set up across the state on the first day. West Bengal plans to host 27,000 such camps over the next 60 days.
Source: India Today
Arunachal Pradesh launches an Online Building Plan Approval System (OBPAS). The system, implemented under the state’s ease of doing business initiative, aims to promote transparency, efficiency, and accountability in granting building permits.
Source: India Today
In detail: Portal
Chhattisgarh approves the Chhattisgarh Minor Mineral Ordinary Sand (Excavation and Business) Rules-2025. Under the new rules, the allocation of sand mines is done through an electronic auction, and strict penalties will be imposed on illegal sand excavation and transportation.
Source: ETV
In detail: Chhattisgarh cabinet decisions
Himachal Pradesh approves several key policy proposals. In a series of decisions to avoid financial waste and ensure ease of doing business, Himachal Pradesh approves cancellation of 172 small hydro projects of below 5MW capacity under the Himachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (HIMURJA), where construction has remained stalled for a prolonged period. These projects will be re-advertised. The state also introduces rules requiring shops and commercial establishments to allow women to work during night shifts from 7pm to 7am. These women will also be entitled to maternity benefits, as per the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.
Source: Rediff
In detail: Cabinet decisions
Odisha approves several key policy proposals. In a series of decisions to streamline approvals, enhance legal staffing, expand irrigation infrastructure, and simplify tax procedures, Odisha endorses amendments to the Odisha Law Officers Rules, 1971, the Mukhyamantri Adibandha Tiyari’ Yojana (MATY) - 3.0, and the Odisha Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. The Odisha Law Officers Rules, 1971, mandates recruitment of more officers under the Odisha State Prosecution Service (OSPS), facilitating faster case resolution. The ‘Mukhyamantri Adibandha Tiyari’ Yojana (MATY) - 3.0 aims to construct 3,313 new and improve 3,529 existing check dams. The initiative aims to boost irrigation across nearly 100,000 hectares and ensure drinking water post the monsoon season. Amendments to the Odisha Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 include new compliance mechanisms like track-and-trace for high-risk sectors and flexible return-filing processes.
Source: Odisha TV
Punjab approves the restructuring of rural development blocks. The restructure will allow development blocks to be better aligned with district boundaries, ensuring administrative efficiency with better governance and service delivery in rural areas.
Source: Times of India
Nothing critical to report this week
The Union government introduces Shakti Policy, 2025. The policy, revised by the Coals and Mines Ministry, is an update of the 2017 Shakti Policy. It enhances the scope of the erstwhile coal linkage allocation policy for the power sector by providing greater flexibility, wider eligibility, and better accessibility to coal.
Source: SME Street
In detail: Press release
Union government sanctions $70.47 million (INR 650 crores) for Uttarakhand. Under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, Uttarakhand will receive these funds to contribute to infrastructure and public service development. The fund will support 37 development schemes across various sectors in the 2025–26 fiscal year. Of the total amount, $43.56 (INR 380.2) million has already been released, as confirmed by the Uttarakhand government.
Source: Indian Masterminds
Nothing critical to report this week
